Method, system and apparatus for dual mode operation of a converter

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems and apparatuses for operating a converter or other circuits are disclosed. More particularly, in one embodiment a converter or other circuit can be operated in two modes which may include the count-to-time and time-to count modes to determine an output value corresponding to an input signal. During operation in the count-to-time mode a converter may be operated using a reference signal to determine a number of clock cycles needed until an output corresponds to a scaling factor is reached. During operation of the circuit in the time-to-count mode then, the converter may be operated for this number of clock cycles using the input signal to determine an output. This output may be proportional to the level on the input signal.

RELATED INFORMATION

This application is a continuation of, and claims a benefit of priorityunder 35 U.S.C. 120 of the filing date of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/047,817; by inventor Benjamin H. Ashmore, entitled “METHOD,SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR DUAL MODE OPERATION OF A CONVERTER” filed onMar. 13, 2008 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,551,109, which in turn claims abenefit of priority to the filing date of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/906,934 by inventor Benjamin H. Ashmore,entitled “METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR DUAL MODE OPERATION OF ACONVERTER” filed on Mar. 14, 2007, the entire contents of which arehereby expressly incorporated by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to the field of signal processing. Moreparticularly, embodiments of the invention relate to analog signalprocessing. Even more specifically, embodiments of the invention relateto the field of conversion of analog signals which may be embedded in,or utilized in conjunction with, VLSI (or other types of) circuits.

BACKGROUND

Determining a level on a particular signal line is important in a widevariety of signal processing applications. These applications mayinclude a wide variety of sensors such as temperature sensors, lightsensors, decibel meters, power meters, etc. Demand for low-costhigh-performance sensors which may be utilized in conjunction withcomplex Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits is, in the main,being driven by the market growth of portable systems. Importantapplications of these types of sensors include: 1) power management inVLSI chips such as CPUs; 2) thermal system compensation for VLSI chipswith embedded sensors; 3) temperature control of systems in which a VLSIchip is contained or with which a VLSI chip is utilized; 4) light orsound meters within digital recording devices such as cameras or thelike; 5) sensitive touch sensors for use with input devices; etc.

In most cases, the determination of a desired signal level isaccomplished by determining a ratio between the signal line for whichthe level is desired and one or more other signals line. Typically, thisrequires knowing the value of another signal lines to which the desiredsignal is being compared and determining the level of the unknown signalwith respect to the known value of the other signal. This methodology isproblematic for a number of reasons.

To begin with, to obtain an accurate result the value of the knownsignal need to be held constant, which may entail supporting circuitryincluding, for example, circuitry to achieve low impedance of the knownsignal. Additionally, even once the level of the desired signal isdetermined, to obtain a directly useful result this value must usuallybe scaled and calibrated which may entail an added degree of hardware ofsoftware complexity.

What is desired then are simple and robust methods, systems andapparatuses for determining the level of an input signal line, whichallows any results to be easily scaled or calibrated.

SUMMARY

Methods, systems and apparatuses for operating a converter or othercircuit are disclosed. More particularly, in one embodiment a converteror other circuit can be operated in two modes which may include thecount-to-time and time-to count modes to determine an output valuecorresponding to an input signal. During operation in the count-to-timemode a converter may be operated using a reference signal to determine anumber of clock cycles needed until an output corresponds to a scalingfactor is reached. During operation of the circuit in the time-to-countmode then, the converter may be operated for this number of clock cyclesusing the input signal to determine an output. This output may beproportional to the level on the input signal.

More specifically, embodiments of the present invention include a methodof delta-sigma analog to digital (A2D) conversion that allows for simpleimplementation, calibration and result scaling compared to existingdelta-sigma conversion techniques.

In one embodiment, this predetermined scaling factor may be determinedusing two reference points corresponding to a desired measurement scale(as an example, temperature or luminosity). During operation in thetime-to-count mode, this scaling factor may then be used to allow thecircuit to be operated for a number of clock cycles substantially equalto the scaling factor.

In one embodiment, a reference signal does not have to be a differentsignal from the input signal, but could be the input signal itself.Additionally, the reference signal may not be static.

In one embodiment, count to time scaling outputs do not have to bedynamically generated. The count-to-time scaling outputs could be, forexample, predetermined (for example, during a calibration ormanufacturing process) and stored in a lookup table for comparison torealtime time to count measurements.

Embodiments of the present invention may significantly simplify theimplementation, scaling and calibration of delta-sigma type A2Dconverters by operating the converter in two different modes,time-to-count and count-to-time. The use of these two conversion modes,time-to-count and count-to-time, provides natural cancellation of errorssuch as those caused by an integrator and comparator offset andswitching charge-injection by making them common mode. Since embodimentsof this conversion method uses time as an intermediate signal variableto control the gain of the process, it lends itself to simple methods ofscaling and offset calibration.

By utilizing embodiments of the present invention to simplify theimplementation and calibration of a delta-sigma A2D conversion process,analog signal processing functionality, such as smart thermal sensorsand the like, can be included in a wider range of VLSI chipapplications. This allows for a broader range of new functionality to bebrought to the market place in a cost effect manner.

More specifically, embodiments of the present invention include a methodof delta-sigma analog to digital (A2D) conversion that allows for simpleimplementation, calibration and result scaling compared to existingdelta-sigma conversion techniques. Embodiments such as this may lendthemselves particularly well to the design of a band-gap based thermalsensor, allowing the output of a delta-sigma A2D converter to be easilyset to read directly in increments such as units of, for example, eitherFahrenheit or Celsius.

Multiple time-to-count conversions can be done sequentially using theresult of a single count-to-time conversion (for example, if the systemsupply voltage is considered stationary). Other values than a fixedreference may be utilized for the input during the count-to-timeconversion. For example, inputs used during the count-to-time (x) andtime-to-count (y) conversions can be independent variables, with theresult of the conversion being proportional to S*y/x.

Embodiments of the systems and methods described herein may beimplemented in circuitry, hardware, suitable computer-executableinstructions that may stored on a computer readable medium (e.g., a harddrive) or some combination. The computer-executable instructions may bestored, for example, as software code components on a DASD array,magnetic tape, floppy diskette, optical storage device, or otherappropriate computer-readable medium or storage device.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the computer-executableinstructions may be lines of complied C++, Java, HTML, or any otherprogramming or scripting code. Other software/hardware/networkarchitectures may be used.

These, and other, aspects of the invention will be better appreciatedand understood when considered in conjunction with the followingdescription and the accompanying drawings. The following description,while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerousspecific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not oflimitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions orrearrangements may be made within the scope of the invention, and theinvention includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions orrearrangements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings accompanying and forming part of this specification areincluded to depict certain aspects of the invention. A clearerimpression of the invention, and of the components and operation ofsystems provided with the invention, will become more readily apparentby referring to the exemplary, and therefore nonlimiting, embodimentsillustrated in the drawings, wherein identical reference numeralsdesignate the same components. Note that the features illustrated in thedrawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a converter.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of operating aconverter.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of converter.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of operating aconverter.

FIG. 5A is a block diagram of one embodiment of a converter.

FIG. 5B is a block diagram of one embodiment of a temperature sensorutilizing one embodiment of a converter.

FIG. 6A is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for calibratingof a converter.

FIG. 6B is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for calibratingof a converter.

FIG. 6C is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for calibratingof a converter.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of operating aconverter.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of operating aconverter.

FIG. 9A is a block diagram of one embodiment of a converter.

FIG. 9B is a block diagram of one embodiment of a temperature sensorutilizing one embodiment of a converter.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for calibratingof a converter.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for calibratingof a converter.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of operating aconverter.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of operating aconverter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention and the various features and advantageous details thereofare explained more fully with reference to the nonlimiting embodimentsthat are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in thefollowing description. Descriptions of well known starting materials,processing techniques, components and equipment are omitted so as not tounnecessarily obscure the invention in detail. Skilled artisans shouldunderstand, however, that the detailed description and the specificexamples, while disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. Varioussubstitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements within thescope of the underlying inventive concept(s) will become apparent tothose skilled in the art after reading this disclosure.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including, T” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is notnecessarily limited only those elements but may include other elementsnot expressly listed or inherent to such process, process, article, orapparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refersto an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a conditionA or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present)and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B istrue (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

Additionally, any examples or illustrations given herein are not to beregarded in any way as restrictions on, limits to, or expressdefinitions of, any term or terms with which they are utilized. Insteadthese examples or illustrations are to be regarded as being describedwith respect to one particular embodiment and as illustrative only.Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any term orterms with which these examples or illustrations are utilized willencompass other embodiments which may or may not be given therewith orelsewhere in the specification and all such embodiments are intended tobe included within the scope of that term or terms. Language designatingsuch nonlimiting examples and illustrations includes, but is not limitedto: “for example”, “for instance”, “e.g.”, “in one embodiment”, etc.

Reference is now made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts (elements).

Before discussing particular embodiments of the present invention it maybe useful to explain in more detail how signal levels may be determinedor utilized. This explanation may be better accomplished with referenceto a specific context, in this case a sensor, and more particularly atemperature sensor. To date temperature sensors have been based onreference circuits, such as band-gap references, connected to anintegrating type analog to digital converter (A2D), and in most cases,delta-sigma A2D converters which operate in a singular mode ofoperation, time-to-count.

A block diagram of one embodiment of just such a continuous timefirst-order A2D converter which may be used for a temperature sensor,light sensor, decibel meter or the like is depicted in FIG. 1. Converter100 receives an input on input signal line 1, where the input level maycorrespond to desired measurement. Converter 100 includes an integrator10, comparator 20, and a feedback loop that comprises a 1-bitdigital-to-analog converter (DAC) implemented by a D type flip-flop 30and reference value multiplexer 50, where flip-flop 30 is coupled toclock 70, the output of flip flop 30 is coupled to counter 40, and thereference value multiplexer 50 is operable to switch between referencevoltages 80, 81 based upon the output of flip flop 30.

During operation of converter 100 then, the density of logical valueONES at feedback point 5 is proportional to the level on input signal 1.For an increasing value of the level at the input 1, the converter 100generates a greater number of logical value ONES, and vice versa for adecreasing level at the input 1. By capturing the number of logical ONESgenerated at feedback point 5 in counter 40 for a number of cycles ofclock 70 (for example, a fixed time), the ratio of the resulting outputvalue 90 N (the number of logical ONES accumulated in counter 40 duringthe number of cycles of clock 70) relative to the total number of cyclesof clock 70 T corresponds to the ratio of the level at input 1 relativeto the reference value 80, 81. In other words, input level/referencelevel=REF*(2*N/T−1) which is proportional to the ratio of the number oflogical ONES to the number of cycles of clock 70. This mode of operationis referred to as time-to-count. Thus, the number of logical ONESaccumulated in counter 40 corresponds to a certain level at input 1, andcan then be scaled or calibrated as desired (for example, to correspondto a temperature reading in a desired scale, such as Fahrenheit, Celsiusor Kelvin, to correspond to sound level in decibels, etc.).

FIG. 2 depicts a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for usingconverter 100 in a time-to-count mode where the count time is equal to K(for example, K clock cycles). At step 200 counter 40 is cleared. Then,at step 210, integrator 10 is cleared by closing and opening switch 60.Clock 70 is then enabled at step 220. During operation of converter 100then the number of logical ONES from flip flop 30 are accumulated incounter 40. After each clock cycle at step 230 it can be determined ifthe clock count T is equal to or greater than K, the count time. If thenumber of clock cycles T is not greater than equal to K then clock 70continues operation, while if the number of clock cycles T is equal to,or greater than, K then clock 70 is disabled at step 240.

Once T cycles of clock 70 have been reached and clock 70 disabled, aresult N corresponding to the number of logical ONES produced at theoutput of flip-flop 30 may be read from counter 40 at step 250. Thisvalue (N) may then be scaled to a desired value (Q) at step 260, wherethe scaling accounts for the level at input 1 (e.g. by using the count Nas a proxy for the level at input 1, based upon the mathematicalrelationship of N to the level at input 1) and a desired unit. Thus, forexample, an input level at input 1 may correspond to, and be used todetermine, a temperature in Celsius, Fahrenheit, etc.

The type approach discussed above may exhibit a certain degree ofrobustness in applications where the measurement system is embedded insurrounding noisy digital circuitry. However, while the implementationof such converters may be of only moderate complexity, the circuitry orsoftware required to scale or calibrate the output of such a converterto a directly useful value can add considerable (and undesirable)complexity.

Thus, attention is now directed to methods, systems and apparatuseswhich operate a converter or other circuit in two modes which mayinclude the count-to-time and time-to-count modes to determine an outputvalue corresponding to an input signal. More specifically, in oneembodiment, during operation in the count-to-time mode a converter maybe operated using a reference signal to determine a number of clockcycles needed until an output corresponds to a scaling factor isreached. During operation of the circuit in the time-to-count mode then,the converter may be operated for this number of clock cycles using theinput signal to determine an output. This output may be proportional tothe level on the input signal and, in one embodiment, may beproportional to the scaling factor times the ratio of the value of theinput signal to the reference signal.

In one embodiment, by choosing a scaling factor based upon a desired anenvironmental property (for example, temperature, luminosity, soundlevel, etc.) the output of the time-to count mode may corresponddirectly to a measurement of this environmental property. Additionally,in one embodiment an offset factor may be used to adjust this output toconform to a desired scale for the corresponding measurement, in otherwords, the adjusted output may correspond to the measurement of theenvironmental property in the desired units (for example, temperature inKelvin or Celsius, weight in grams or ounces, etc.)

The use of these two modes in conjunction with a converter may providenatural cancellation of errors such as those caused by integrator orcomparator offset and switching charge-injection by making them commonmode. Similarly, by operating a converter in these two different modes,simple methods of scaling and offset calibration may be utilized inconjunction with the methods, systems and apparatuses of embodiments ofthe present invention.

As discussed above, certain embodiments may significantly simplify theimplementation, scaling and calibration of delta-sigma type A2Dconverters. It may be useful, therefore, to briefly discuss such A2Dconverters, and give a general overview of an embodiment for operatingsuch an A2D converter. To begin such an introduction it is helpful tounderstand that the ability to convert continuous time signals todiscrete digital values is an increasingly important requirement for anever increasing range of applications. Electronic circuits that providethis ability are referred to as analog-to-digital converters(abbreviated ADC, A/D or A to D) and have been the subject of a widerange of research.

To meet the requirements of a variety of applications, severalfundamental architectural classifications of ADC have evolved. Thesestructural ways of implementing an ADC can be grouped as follows:

-   -   direct conversion or flash    -   successive-approximation    -   ramp-compare or dual-slope integrating    -   pipeline    -   variable frequency oscillator    -   delta-sigma (ΔΣ) also known as sigma-delta (ΣΔ), and other        over-sampled

The implementation, operation, and merits of each of these fundamentalarchitectural classifications for ADCs are well known to those versed inthe art and will not be discussed herein. For purposes of illustrationthe discussion in the following few paragraphs will focus on delta-sigmaand other over-sampled ADC configurations. It should be understood,however, that embodiments discussed herein will also be equallyapplicable to other types of ADCs or converters altogether.

Of these types of converters, delta-sigma converters have become thenatural choice for analog to digital conversion in applications with lowto medium bandwidth requirements and have virtually replaced theintegrating type ADC for applications requiring high resolution (16 to24) bits. Delta-sigma converters are particularly amenable to VLSIimplementation because circuit precision requirements can besignificantly relaxed by utilizing a high oversampling ratio

$\left( \frac{f_{clock}}{f_{signal}} \right),$in effect trading resolution in time for resolution in amplitude.

In conjunction with such delta-sigma and oversampling ADCS, in oneembodiment a dual mode of operation that provides the direct calculationof the scaled ratio of two input signals

$\left( {m \star \frac{a}{b}} \right)$with minimal additional overhead may be utilized. This particularembodiment will now be described generally. While not constraining theapplication of any embodiments described (or other embodiments), forclarity of explanation the operation of the invention will be described,in this example, in the context of an analog first-order delta-sigma(ΔΣ) ADC.

As depicted in FIG. 3, in one embodiment an analog first-order ΔΣconverter comprises of a difference (delta) stage whose output is thensummed (sigma), quantized (Q) and the resulting bit-stream then capturedby a decimator (or counter). This process of converting an analog inputu into a bit-stream y [i], using an accumulator can be described by thefollowing equations:w[0]=0  (1)w[i+1]w[i]+α(u−y[i]),i=0, . . . N−1  (2)where typically α=1 and the single-bit quantizer is:y[0]=0  (3)y[i]=sign(w[i]−½),i=1, . . . N  (4)

A binary counter accumulates the bit-stream y [i] such that

$\begin{matrix}{{\sum\limits_{i = 0}^{N}{y\lbrack i\rbrack}} = D} & (5)\end{matrix}$producing the decimated result D. For u within the conversion range [0,1] (in dimensionless units),

$\begin{matrix}{{\lim\limits_{N\rightarrow\infty}\frac{D}{N}} = u} & (6) \\{D = {u \cdot N}} & (7)\end{matrix}$

As each sample event i corresponds to a unit of time, the result of theΔΣ process may represent one embodiment of a time to count conversion.

As a second mode of operation, in one embodiment the ΔΣ converter isoperated in a way such that the result is proportional to the inverse ofu.

One embodiment of a method of accomplishing this mode of operationcomprise of pre-loading the counter with the value −D and operating theΔΣ converter until the value of the counter equals zero while keepingtrack of the total time N.

$\begin{matrix}{\left. {{operate}\mspace{14mu}{until}}\Rightarrow{{\sum\limits_{i = 0}^{N}{y\lbrack i\rbrack}} - D} \right. = 0} & (8) \\{N = \frac{D}{u}} & (9)\end{matrix}$

The result of this inverse ΔΣ process may represent one embodiment of acount to time conversion.

By appropriately alternating operation of the ΔΣ converter betweentime-to-count and count-to-time modes, the direct calculation of theratio (R) of two input values {a, b} can be calculated. Although thefollowing example is illustrated with count-to-time followed bytime-to-count, the actual order of operation is not important and may bereversed or one mode of operation eliminated altogether during certainapplications. To illustrate this alternation: assuming the first inputvalue is b, then perform a count-to-time conversion (9)

$\begin{matrix}{{b \equiv u},{\left. {m \equiv D}\Rightarrow N \right. = \frac{m}{b}}} & (10)\end{matrix}$Letting the second input value be a, perform a time-to-count conversion(7) using the result N from (10)

$\begin{matrix}{{a \equiv u},{\left. {R \equiv D}\Rightarrow R \right. = {N \cdot a}}} & (11) \\{R = {\frac{m}{b} \cdot a}} & (12)\end{matrix}$

By pre-loading the counter with a constant value C before the start ofoperation in the time-to-count mode (12) that the resulting value is

$\begin{matrix}{R = {{m \cdot \frac{a}{b}} + C}} & (13)\end{matrix}$

By appropriately selection of the values of m and C, arbitrary units andprecision of R as a function ƒ(a,b) can be arbitrarily set as desired.

Furthermore, it may be desired to select values of m and C such thatoperation of the dual mode the converter directly produces a specificmappingR[i]

F[i]  (14)

One embodiment of a method of accomplishing this mapping is by firstletting m=K, where K is an arbitrarily large constant and performing adual mode conversion using (12) for two known values of {a, b}

$\begin{matrix}{{K \cdot \frac{a\lbrack 1\rbrack}{b\lbrack 1\rbrack}} = \left. {R\lbrack 1\rbrack}\Rightarrow{F\lbrack 1\rbrack} \right.} & (15) \\{{K \cdot \frac{a\lbrack 2\rbrack}{b\lbrack 2\rbrack}} = \left. {R\lbrack 2\rbrack}\Rightarrow{F\lbrack 2\rbrack} \right.} & (16)\end{matrix}$

The desired scaling factor m_(d) and offset factor C_(d) can becalculated as

$\begin{matrix}{m_{d} = {K \cdot {{abs}\left( \frac{{F\lbrack 2\rbrack} - {F\lbrack 1\rbrack}}{{R\lbrack 2\rbrack} - {R\lbrack 1\rbrack}} \right)}}} & (17) \\{C_{d} = {\frac{K \cdot {a\lbrack 1\rbrack}}{m_{d} \cdot {b\lbrack 1\rbrack}} + {F\lbrack 1\rbrack}}} & (18)\end{matrix}$

This ability to directly and simply produce a result R from an ADC thatis the ratio of two input values is useful in a variety of fields aswill be noted from a review of the present application.

Turning now at FIG. 4, a flow diagram for one embodiment of a method fordual mode operation of a converter is depicted. Initially a scalingfactor may be determined at step 310, where the scaling factor may bedetermined using two known values corresponding to the level of theinput signal of the converter. For example, if the converter is to beutilized in a temperature sensor such that the input signal correspondsto, or varies with, a temperature, the two known values may correspondto two different temperatures.

Using this determined scaling factor an offset may be determined at step320. This offset may be used in conjunction with the output of theconverter to allow the output of the converter circuit to corresponddirectly to a desired scale. For example, to allow the output of aconverter circuit used in conjunction with a temperature sensor tocorrespond to a temperature in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit, the outputof a converter used in conjunction with a sound meter to correspond to asound level in decibels, etc.

After determining the scaling factor and the offset the converter may beoperated at steps 330 and 340. At step 330 using a reference signal asinput, the converter may be operated in the count-to-time mode todetermine a number of clock cycles taken for the output of the converterto reach the scaling factor.

Using the number of clock cycles determined at step 330 then theconverter may be operated in the time-to-count mode using a desiredinput signal as input, such as the output from a reference circuit suchas a temperature sensor (such as a sensitive diode or the like), a soundmeter, etc. In the time-to-count mode the converter may be operated forthe number of clocks determined at step 330 to determine an output ofthe converter that occur during the determined number of clock cyclesusing the desired input signal. This output corresponds to the desiredmeasurement and can, if desired, be adjusted to the desired scale usingthe offset determined at step 320.

After a review of the above method it will be noted that certain of thesteps may be repeated without repeating other of those steps and thatthe order of the steps depicted in FIG. 4 is provided by way of example.Each of the various steps may be repeated without repeating other stepsand the steps may be performed in a variety of different orders.

For example, after determining a scaling factor at step 310 (andoptionally an offset at step 320) the converter may be operated in thecount-to-time mode at step 330 and the time-to-count mode at step 340multiple times using the determined scaling factor (and, optionally, thesame offset). Along the same lines, multiple outputs may be obtainedfrom a converter by operating the converter multiple times in thetime-to-count mode at step 340 using the same number of clockspreviously determined at step 330. Similarly if, for example, a userwishes to obtain a readout in a different scale a new offset may bedetermined at step 320 and an output may be obtained from the converterby operating the converter in the time-to-count mode at step 340 using anumber of clocks previously determined at step 330, without againdetermining a scaling factor at step 310 or operating the converter inthe count-to-time mode at step 330. Other permutations are possible aswell, and will not be discussed in detail herein. However, it isimportant to note that the ability to perform certain stepsindependently or in differing orders may have a number of advantageousimplications, including allowing multiple outputs to be rapidly obtainedand converters or sensors to be relatively easily calibrated andoperated.

The steps discussed with respect to FIG. 4 will now be discussed in moredetail. It may be helpful to a reader to discuss these steps inconjunction with a concrete example of an embodiment of a converter withwhich embodiments of these steps may be utilized. To that end, attentionis now directed to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 5A depicts one embodiment of a converter 400, comprising amultiplexer 402 operable to switch between a reference signal 480 and aninput signal 401. Input signal 401 may be coupled to, for example, areference circuit where at least one output of the reference circuit mayvary in accordance with an environmental property and thus have acertain value (for example, a level) corresponding to a measurement (forexample, a temperature sensitive circuit such as a diode whose outputvaries with temperature, etc.).

The output of multiplexer 402 is coupled to an integrator 410 having aswitch 460, the output of which is coupled to comparator 420. Comparator420 is, in turn, coupled to flip flop 430 clocked by clock 470. Theoutput of flip flop 430 is coupled to counter 440 operable to count thenumber of logical ONES on the output of flip flop 430 and clocked byclock 470. The output of flip flop 430 is also coupled to multiplexer450 operable to switch between an arbitrary voltage level (for example,a system supply voltage (Vcc) or the like), which may in one embodimentmay be assumed to be substantially stationary for the period ofoperation of the converter, and ground. The output of the multiplexer450 is coupled to the input of integrator 410 to create a feedback loop.Converter 400 may also include counter 442 operable to count, forexample, a number of cycles of clock 470.

Turning to FIG. 5B, one embodiment of a temperature sensor 490 which mayutilize an embodiment of a converter such as that discussed with respectto FIG. 5A is depicted. Temperature sensor 490 may comprise band-gapreference 492 and converter 494, which may be an embodiment of aconverter such as that depicted in FIG. 5A. The output of band-gapreference 492 comprises a reference signal 482 and an output signal 484from a diode whose output level varies with temperature. The referencesignal 482 is coupled to the reference signal input of converter 494while the output signal 484 of band-gap reference 492 is coupled to theinput signal of converter 494.

It will be noted that the functionality depicted in FIG. 5A or 5B may beimplemented in hardware, software or some combination of the two. Forexample, both counters 440 and counter 442 may be implemented inhardware or software. Similarly, it will be understood with respect tothe descriptions of the embodiments of the systems and methods discussedherein that the functionality discussed with respect to various steps oroperations may also be accomplished in hardware, software or somecombination of the two, such as by a controller which is operable toimplement one or more of the steps discussed in conjunction with theembodiments of the methods presented herein, wherein the controller maycomprise hardware (such as circuitry or other logic, etc.), software(such as computer readable instructions, etc.) or some combination ofthe two.

It should also be noted that though embodiments of the present inventionmay be useful for implementation in conjunction with certain types ofsensors (such as temperature sensors), and it is in this context thatcertain embodiments of the present invention and examples thereof willbe described, embodiments of the present invention may be similarly beutilized in any method, system or apparatus where converters areutilized or any method or system or apparatus where it is desired tosimplify the implementation, scaling or calibration of a converter orreduce the complexity of the scaling or calibration of a converter.

With that in mind, reference is again made briefly to FIG. 4. Asdiscussed previously, a scaling factor and offset may be determined fora converter at steps 310 and 320. Turning now to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C oneembodiment of a methodology for determining a scaling factor for aconverter is depicted. Referring first to FIG. 6A, a flow diagram forone embodiment of a method for calibrating the converter is depicted.Initially, at step 510 an initial scaling factor (which may be any valuedesired) may be chosen. Using the reference value as input then, at step520 the converter may operated in a count-to-time mode to obtain a countof the number of clock cycles taken for a count of the output of theconverter to reach the initial scaling factor. Using the clock countdetermined at step 520 a calibration count for a first known value ofthe desired measurement may be obtained at step 530 followed byobtaining a calibration count at step 540 for a second known value ofthe desired measurement.

The calibration counts are determined by operating the converter in atime-to-count mode where the input signal is used as input to theconverter and the converter is operated in accordance with the knownvalue, which may comprise, operating the converter at, or in thepresence of, the known value. For example, for calibration where themeasurement is temperature the converter may be calibrated for a knownvalue by substantially holding the converter (or the temperature sensorwith which it is being utilized) at the known temperature whileobtaining a calibration count for that known value. Similarly, where themeasurement is sound level, the converter may be calibrated for a knownvalue by producing substantially the known sound level while calibratingthe converter for the known value. Using the two calibration countsobtained at step 530 and 540, then and the two known measurement valuesthe scaling factor can then be calculated at step 550 and optionally anoffset can be calculated at step 560.

Thus, to calibrate the converter first the converter may be operated ina count-to-time mode as depicted in FIG. 6B. Here an arbitrary initialscaling factor may be chosen and using the reference signal as input acount of the number of clock cycles taken for a count of the output ofthe converter to reach the arbitrary initial scaling factor may bedetermined. For example, with respect to converter 400, an arbitraryscaling factor (Ma) may be chosen and reference signal 480 selected asinput to the converter 400. At steps 512 and 522 then, counter 440 andcounter 442 may be cleared. Clock 470 is then enabled at step 532. Theclock count (T) in counter 442 is then incremented with each clock cycleat step 542 and after each cycle of clock 470 it can then be determinedif the value in output counter 440 is equal to the arbitrary scalingfactor (Ma) at step 552. If so, then clock 470 is then disabled at step562.

Moving to FIG. 6C, to obtain a calibration count for a known value, thenthe converter may be operated in a time-to-count mode in accordance withthe known value using the input signal as input. Here, a calibrationcount for a known value can be determined by obtaining a count of theoutput of the converter during a number of clock cycles corresponding tothe clock count determined in the count-to-time calibration.Specifically, with respect to converter 400, operating in accordancewith the known value, input signal 401 may be selected as input toconverter 400 and at steps 514 and 524 counter 440 and counter 442 maybe cleared. At step 534 then, clock 470 may be enabled and the counter442 incremented at step 544. After each cycle of clock 470 it can thenbe determined at step 554 if the value in counter 442 is equal to theclock count (K) resulting from the count-to-time calibration (discussedin FIG. 6B). If so, clock 470 may be disabled at step 564. The count incounter 440 can then be used as the calibration count for the knownvalue.

Returning to briefly to FIG. 6A, after calibration counts are determinedfor each of two known values the calibration counts and known values maybe used to calculate a scaling factor for the converter correspondingusing the formula: Scaling factor=initial scaling factor*abs((firstknown value−second known value)/(first calibration count−secondcalibration count)). Using the determined scaling factor then an offsetcan be determined using one of the known values (for example the knownvalue in the desired scale) expressed in the desired scale using theformula: Offset=((scaling factor divided by the initial scalingfactor)*first calibration count) plus first known value (in the desiredscale).

With reference now to back to FIG. 4, once the scaling factor isdetermined (and optionally any offset) the converter may be operated inthe count-to-time mode at step 330 and the time-to-count mode at step340 to obtain a desired output corresponding to a level on an inputsignal. FIG. 7 depicts one embodiment of operating a converter in acount-to-time mode using a determined scaling factor. Here a count ofthe number of clock cycles taken for a count of the output of theconverter to reach the determined scaling factor using a referencesignal as input to the converter may be determined. For example, withrespect to converter 400, a previously determined scaling factor (M) maybe used and reference signal 480 selected as input to the converter 400.At steps 612 and 622 then, counter 440 and counter 442 may be cleared.Clock 470 is then enabled at step 632. The clock count (T) in counter442 is then incremented with each clock cycle at step 642 and after eachcycle of clock 470 it can then be determined if the value in counter 440is equal to the scaling factor (M) at step 652. If so, then clock 470 isthen disabled at step 662. The resulting value T in counter 442represents the time to reach the scaling factor when using the referencesignal as input.

As was noted earlier the functionality of various portions of aconverter or hardware or software utilized in conjunction with certainembodiments may vary. For example, by utilizing up/down counters oradders or subtractors, two's complement arithmetic, decimators inconjunction with counters 440 and 442. In such a case, operatingconverter at 400 may comprise, for example, setting counter 440 to thenegative value of the scaling factor (−M) clearing counter 442 at steps616 and 626. Clock 470 is then enabled at step 636. The clock count (T)in counter 442 is then incremented with each clock cycle at step 646 andafter each cycle of clock 470 it can then be determined if the value incounter 440 is equal to zero at step 656. If so, then clock 470 is thendisabled at step 676.

In either case the resulting clock count (which will be referred to asK) may then be used during operation of the converter in thetime-to-count mode to obtain a desired output corresponding to the inputsignal. FIG. 8 depicts one embodiment a method for operating a converterin the time-to-count mode. Here, an output corresponding to the level onthe input signal may be determined by counting the output of theconverter during a number of clock cycles corresponding to the clockcount (K) using the input signal. Specifically, with respect toconverter 400, input signal 401 may be selected as input to converter400 and at steps 714 and 724 counter 440 and counter 442 may be cleared.At step 734 then, clock 470 may be enabled and the counter 442incremented with each clock cycle at step 744. After each cycle of clock470 it can then be determined at step 754 if the value T in counter 442is equal to the clock count (K). If so, clock 470 may be disabled atstep 764. The count N in counter 440 then corresponds to a measurementassociated with the value of input signal 401. This count can then beadjusted at step 774 by subtracting the offset (B) from the count toyield an output which represents a measurement in a desired scale.

Again, the functionality of various portions of a converter or hardwareor software utilized in conjunction with certain embodiments may vary.For example, in certain cases operating converter at 400 may comprise,for example, setting counter 440 to the negative value of the offset(−B) at step 716 and at step 726 setting counter 442 to the negativevalue of the clock count (−K). At step 736 then, clock 470 may beenabled and counter 442 incremented with each clock cycle at step 746.After each cycle of clock 470 it can then be determined at step 756 ifthe value in counter 442 is equal to 0. If so, clock 470 may be disabledat step 766. The count in counter 440 then corresponds to a measurementassociated with the value of input signal 401 adjusted by the offset(B).

An example will be helpful in illustrating the embodiments discussedabove. With reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B for this example, assume forpurposes of this example that the bandgap 492 reference voltage output482 is set to 0.8 volts and that the diode output voltage 484 changesapproximately 2 mv/degree C. and varies from approximately 0.7v to 0.46vover the range of 0-120 degrees C. The diode output voltage 484 versustemperature is described in the following table:

temperature 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 Diode voltage 0.7 0.66 0.62 0.58 0.540.50 0.46

Suppose now that it is desired that the output of the converter 494corresponds directly to degrees Celsius. Scaling M and offset Bconstants may be calculated in this example as follows:

-   (a) an initial scaling factor (Ma) is chosen, here assume 10000-   (b) the offset factor is set to zero, B=0-   (c) the calibration is run for two known temperature points, for    example 40 C and 100 C

Assume now that the system voltage Vcc=1.5 and the following results areobtained:

Temperature 40 100 Calibration Count 7750 6250The new scaling factor S is then calculated by the formula:M=Ma*abs((T1−T2)/(C1−C2))=Ma*abs((40−100)/(7750−6250))=400The offset factor K can then be calculated by the following formula:B=((M/Ma)*C1)+T1=((400/10000)*7750)+40=350

An example of the operation of converter 400 at steps 330 and 340 is asfollows:

-   (a) assume the operating temperature is 60 C and Vcc=1.8-   (b) after operating converter 400 in the count-to-time mode of the    conversion using M=400, B=350 the clock counter 442 will contain the    value T=900-   (c) after operating converter 400 in the time-to-count mode, the    result in counter 440 corresponds to 60, the operating temperature.

After thoroughly reviewing the above discussion it will be noted thatthe systems, methods and apparatuses need not be utilized in conjunctionwith or comprise delta-sigma (ΔΣ) converters and may use, or be used inconjunction with virtually any other type of converter. It may behelpful then to give another example of one embodiment of another typeof converter and its use in conjunction with certain embodiments of thesystems, methods and apparatuses discussed.

FIG. 9A depicts one embodiment of a converter 800, based on a variablefrequency oscillator. Converter 800 is comprised of a multiplexer 802operable to switch between a reference signal 880 and an input signal801.

Input signal 801 may be coupled to, for example, a reference circuitwhere at least one output of the reference circuit may vary inaccordance with an environmental property and thus have a certain value(for example, a level) corresponding to a measurement (for example, atemperature sensitive circuit such as a diode whose output varies withtemperature, etc.).

The output of multiplexer 802 is coupled to a controlling input of avariable frequency oscillator 810. The frequency controlling input maycomprise a variety of different signals or values in differentembodiments (for example, voltage, current, capacitance, resistance,etc.). The output of variable oscillator 810 is coupled to counter 840operable to count or measure the frequency of the output of variableoscillator 810. Converter 800 may also include timer 830 operable tomeasure, for example, a given period of time.

Turning to FIG. 9B, one embodiment of a temperature sensor 990 which mayutilize an embodiment of a converter such as that discussed with respectto FIG. 9A is depicted. Temperature sensor 990 may comprise band-gapreference 992 and converter 994, which may be an embodiment of aconverter such as that depicted in FIG. 9A. The output of band-gapreference 992 comprises a reference signal 982 and an output signal 984from a diode whose output level varies with temperature. The referencesignal 982 is coupled to the reference signal input of converter 994while the output signal 984 of band-gap reference 992 is coupled to theinput signal of converter 994.

It will be noted that the functionality depicted in FIG. 9A or 98 may beimplemented in hardware, software or some combination of the two. Forexample, both counters 840 and counter 830 may be implemented inhardware or software. Similarly, it will be understood with respect tothe descriptions of the embodiments of the systems and methods discussedherein that the functionality discussed with respect to various steps oroperations may also be accomplished in hardware, software or somecombination of the two, such as by a controller which is operable toimplement one or more of the steps discussed in conjunction with theembodiments of the methods presented herein, wherein the controller maycomprise hardware (such as circuitry or other logic, etc.), software(such as computer readable instructions, etc.) or some combination ofthe two.

It should also be noted that though embodiments of the present inventionmay be useful for implementation in conjunction with certain types ofsensors (such as temperature sensors), and it is in this context thatcertain embodiments of the present invention and examples thereof willbe described, embodiments of the present invention may be similarly beutilized in any method, system or apparatus where converters areutilized or any method or system or apparatus where it is desired tosimplify the implementation, scaling or calibration of a converter orreduce the complexity of the scaling or calibration of a converter.

With that in mind, reference is again made briefly to FIG. 4. Asdiscussed previously, in one embodiment, a scaling factor and offset maybe determined for a converter at steps 310 and 320. Turning now to FIGS.6A, 10 and 11, utilizing these FIGURES one embodiment of a methodologyfor determining a scaling factor for a converter such as that depictedin FIG. 9A will be depicted.

Referring first to FIG. 6A, a flow diagram for one embodiment of amethod for calibrating a converter is depicted. Initially, at step 510an initial scaling factor (which may be any value desired) may bechosen. Using the reference value as input then, at step 520 theconverter may operated in a count-to-time mode to obtain a count of thetime taken for a count of the output of the converter to reach theinitial scaling factor. Using the time count determined at step 520 acalibration count for a first known value of the desired measurement maybe obtained at step 530 followed by obtaining a calibration count atstep 540 for a second known value of the desired measurement.

The calibration counts are determined by operating the converter in atime-to-count mode where the input signal is used as input to theconverter and the converter is operated in accordance with the knownvalue, which may comprise, operating the converter at, or in thepresence of, the known value. For example, for calibration where themeasurement is temperature the converter may be calibrated for a knownvalue by substantially holding the converter (or the temperature sensorwith which it is being utilized) at the known temperature whileobtaining a calibration count for that known value. Similarly, where themeasurement is sound level, the converter may be calibrated for a knownvalue by producing substantially the known sound level while calibratingthe converter for the known value. Using the two calibration countsobtained at step 530 and 540, then and the two known measurement valuesthe scaling factor can then be calculated at step 550 and optionally anoffset can be calculated at step 560.

Thus, to calibrate the converter first the converter may be operated ina count-to-time mode as depicted in FIG. 10. Here an arbitrary initialscaling factor may be chosen and using the reference signal as input acount of the time taken for a count of the output of the converter toreach the arbitrary initial scaling factor may be determined. Forexample, with respect to converter 800, an arbitrary scaling factor (Ma)may be chosen and reference signal 880 selected as input to theconverter 800. At steps 812 and 822 then, counter 840 and timer 830 maybe cleared. Counter 840 and timer 830 are then enabled at step 832. Thecount (N) value in counter 840 is then incremented as a function of theoutput 805 of variable oscillator 810. After each cycle of 805 it canthen be determined if the value in output counter 840 is equal to thearbitrary scaling factor (Ma) at step 842. If so, counter 840 and timer830 are then disabled at step 852.

Moving to FIG. 11, to obtain a calibration count for a known value, thenthe converter may be operated in a time-to-count mode in accordance withthe known value using the input signal as input. Here, a calibrationcount for a known value can be determined by obtaining a count of theoutput of the converter during a period of time corresponding thatdetermined in the count-to-time calibration. Specifically, with respectto converter 800, operating in accordance with the known value, inputsignal 801 may be selected as input to converter 800 and at steps 814and 824 counter 840 and timer 830 may be cleared. At step 834 then,counter 840 and timer 830 may be enabled. The count (N) value in counter840 is then incremented as a function of the output 805 of variableoscillator 810. After each increment of the value (T) of timer 830 itcan be determined if the value in timer 830 is equal to the clock count(K) resulting from the count-to-time calibration (discussed in FIG. 10).If so, counter 840 and timer 830 may be disabled at step 854. The countin counter 840 can then be used as the calibration count for the knownvalue.

Returning to briefly to FIG. 6A, after calibration counts are determinedfor each of two known values the calibration counts and known values maybe used to calculate a scaling factor for the converter correspondingusing the formula: Scaling factor=initial scaling factor*abs((firstknown value−second known value)/(first calibration count−secondcalibration count)). Using the determined scaling factor then an offsetcan be determined using one of the known values (for example the knownvalue in the desired scale) expressed in the desired scale using theformula: Offset=((scaling factor divided by the initial scalingfactor)*first calibration count) plus first known value (in the desiredscale).

With reference now to back to FIG. 4, once the scaling factor isdetermined (and optionally any offset) the converter may be operated inthe count-to-time mode at step 330 and the time-to-count mode at step340 to obtain a desired output corresponding to a level on an inputsignal. FIG. 12 depicts one embodiment of operating a converter in acount-to-time mode using a determined scaling factor. Here a count ofthe time taken for a count of the output of the converter to reach thedetermined scaling factor using a reference signal as input to theconverter may be determined. For example, with respect to converter 800,a previously determined scaling factor (M) may be used and referencesignal 880 selected as input to the converter 800. At steps 912 and 922then, counter 840 and timer 830 may be cleared. Counter 840 and timer830 are then enabled at step 932. The count (N) in counter 840 is thenincremented as a function of the output 805 of variable oscillator 810.After each increment of counter 840 it can then be determined if thevalue in counter 840 is equal to the scaling factor (M) at step 942. Ifso, then counter 840 and timer 830 are disabled at step 952. Theresulting value TM in timer 830 represents the time to reach the scalingfactor when using the reference signal as input.

As was noted earlier the functionality of various portions of aconverter or hardware or software utilized in conjunction with certainembodiments may vary. For example, by utilizing up/down counters oradders or subtractors, two's complement arithmetic, decimators inconjunction with counter 840 and timer 830. In such a case, operatingconverter at 800 may comprise, for example, setting counter 840 to thenegative value of the scaling factor (−M) clearing timer 830 at steps916 and 926. Counter 840 and timer 830 are then enabled at step 936. Thecount (N) in counter 840 is then incremented as a function of the output805 of variable oscillator 810. After each increment of counter 840 itcan then be determined if the value in counter 840 is equal to zero atstep 946. If so, then counter 840 and timer 830 are disabled at step956.

In either case the resulting clock count (K) may then be used duringoperation of the converter in the time-to-count mode to obtain a desiredoutput corresponding to the input signal. FIG. 13 depicts one embodimenta method for operating a converter in the time-to-count mode. Here, anoutput corresponding to the level on the input signal may be determinedby counting the output of the converter during a time periodcorresponding to the clock count (K) using the input signal.Specifically, with respect to converter 800, input signal 801 may beselected as input to converter 800 and at steps 914 and 924 counter 840and timer 830 may be cleared. At step 934 then, counter 840 and timer830 may be enabled. The count (N) value in counter 840 is thenincremented as a function of the output 805 of variable oscillator 810.After each increment of the value (T) of timer 830 it can be determinedif the value in timer 830 is equal to the clock count (K) resulting fromthe count-to-time operation (discussed in FIG. 12). If so, counter 840and timer 830 may be disabled at step 954. The count N in counter 840then corresponds to a measurement associated with the value of inputsignal 801. This count can then be adjusted at step 964 by subtractingthe offset (B) from the count to yield an output which represents ameasurement in a desired scale.

Again, the functionality of various portions of a converter or hardwareor software utilized in conjunction with certain embodiments may vary.For example, in certain cases operating converter at 800 may comprise,for example, setting counter 840 to the negative value of the offset(−B) at step 917 and at step 927 setting timer 830 to the negative valueof the clock count (−K). At step 937 then, counter 840 and timer 830 maybe enabled. The count (N) value in counter 840 is then incremented as afunction of the output 805 of variable oscillator 810. After eachincrement of the value (T) of timer 830 it can be determined if thevalue in timer 830 is equal to 0. If so, counter 840 and timer 830 maybe disabled at step 957. The count N in counter 840 then corresponds toa measurement associated with the value of input signal 801 adjusted bythe offset (B).

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in theart appreciates that various modifications and changes can be madewithout departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in theclaims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofinvention.

It will be appreciated that all such modifications are encompassedherein. For example, a reference signal does not have to be a differentsignal from the input signal, but could be the input signal itself.Suppose, for instance, it was desired to only measure changes in aninput, ignoring a background or average signal level. An example mightbe a motion detector. From the dual-mode operation, a value X is loadedinto a counter (for example, such as counter 440 or counter 840) andthen the converter operated in count-to-time mode. If the result is thenused in a time-to-count mode without changing the input signal (forexample, via multiplexer 402 or 802) then the result Y will be equal toX. Now assume that some sort of long term averaging is done on theresult of the count-to-time mode X, (for example a exponential movingaverage) then the output Y from time-to-count a measure of a short termchange can be determined. In, for example, the case of a motiondetector, the slowly changing background signal (light, heat,capacitance, noise etc) will be filtered out and the sensor will thenrespond to changes that are rapid relative to the background changerate. As can be realized this may be important in a variety of contextsor settings.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the reference signal is not static,(light flashes, response to another transitory stimulus, etc). In thiscase the converter can measure relative changes between the “reference”and the “input” signal which, as described above, can be one and thesame. Converters such as those described in FIG. 9 may be particularlyamenable to this mode of operation.

Furthermore, count to time scaling outputs may not be dynamicallygenerated. The count-to-time scaling outputs could be, for example,predetermined (for example, during a calibration or manufacturingprocess) and stored in a lookup table for comparison to realtime time tocount measurements.

Moreover, count-to-time and time-to-count could be reversed. For examplein the case where the reference and the input signal are the same theresult can be thought of as Q/average(Q). By reversing the sense ofcount-to-time and time-to-count the result would be average(Q)/Q.

Thus, it will be understood that benefits, other advantages, andsolutions to problems have been described above with regard to specificembodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems,and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solutionto occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as acritical, required, or essential feature or component.

1. A sensor comprising a converter, the converter operable to: operatein a first mode to determine a first clock count, wherein operating theconverter in the first mode comprises configuring the converter to use areference signal as an input; operating the converter until a firstoutput count of the converter is equal to a scaling factor andincrementing the first clock count based upon a clock while operatingthe converter in the first mode; and operate in a second mode todetermine a second output count of the converter proportional to aninput signal, wherein operating the converter in the second modecomprises configuring the converter to use the input signal as theinput; operating the converter for a number of cycles of the clock,wherein the number of cycles is substantially equal to the first clockcount.
 2. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a temperaturesensor, a touch sensor, a motion sensor, a sound sensor or light sensor.3. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the scaling factor is chosen based ona type of the sensor.
 4. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the converter isa voltage converter, a capacitance converter, a magnetic field converteror a charge converter.
 5. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the converteris a delta-sigma converter.
 6. The sensor of claim 1, wherein thereference signal is static.
 7. The sensor of claim 1, wherein theconverter is operated in the first mode before the second mode.
 8. Asensor, comprising: a reference circuit operable to output a referencesignal and a first output signal corresponding to an environmentalproperty; a converter operable to generate a second output signal basedupon a clock and the reference signal or the clock and the first outputsignal; a counter operable to count the second output signal of theconverter for an output count and count a number of cycles of the clockfor a clock count; and a controller operable to: operate the converterin a first mode to determine the clock count, comprising configuring theconverter to use the reference signal as an input; operate the converteruntil a first clock count of the counter corresponds to a scalingfactor, wherein the counter is incremented based upon the clock whileoperating the converter in the first mode; and operate the converter ina second mode to determine the output count in the counter of theconverter proportional to an input signal, comprising configuring theconverter to use the first output signal of the reference circuit as theinput and operating the converter for a number of cycles of the clock,wherein the number of cycles is substantially equal to the clock count.9. The sensor of claim 8, wherein the environmental property is pressureand the sensor is a touch sensor.
 10. The sensor of claim 8, wherein theenvironmental property is motion and the sensor is a motion sensor. 11.The sensor of claim 8, wherein the environmental property is light andthe sensor is a light sensor.
 12. The sensor of claim 8, wherein theenvironmental property is sound and the sensor is a sound sensor. 13.The sensor of claim 8, wherein the scaling factor is chosen based on atype of the sensor.
 14. The sensor of claim 8, wherein the converter isa voltage converter, a capacitance converter, a magnetic field converteror a charge converter.
 15. The sensor of claim 8, wherein the converteris a delta-sigma converter.
 16. The sensor of claim 8, wherein thereference signal is static.
 17. The sensor of claim 8, wherein theconverter is operated in the first mode before the second mode.